About Us
OperaBend is a cultural gem nestled in the High Desert of Central Oregon. As a small, regional opera theatre company, OperaBend proudly collaborates with Central Oregon Community College to curate and showcase at least one full-length production with orchestral accompaniment each year. Our repertoire spans the grandeur of opera, the charm of operetta, and the enchantment of American Broadway classics. At OperaBend, we celebrate the diversity of the operatic world, weaving together timeless tales that captivate the hearts of our audience. Our cast comprises a harmonious blend of local talents from the community, distinguished performers from the Pacific Northwest region, and internationally recognized stars from the Metropolitan Opera. Join us on this extraordinary journey where passion, talent, and artistry converge to create unforgettable moments on the stage. OperaBend invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of opera, where every performance is a journey of emotion, connection, and the timeless beauty of the performing arts.
Production Team
Jason Stein
OUR FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jason Stein is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of OperaBend. A graduate of NYU with degrees in both acting and management, Stein combines his artistic flair and organizational expertise to bring opera to Central Oregon. Renowned for his tenor prowess, Stein has graced the stage in various iconic roles, showcasing his versatility and vocal finesse. His repertoire includes memorable performances as Don Jose in "Carmen," Herr Eisenstein in "Die Fledermaus," and Tamino in "The Magic Flute." Stein's talent has resonated across prestigious opera companies, as he has taken on principal roles with acclaimed institutions such as Emerald City Opera, Rogue Valley Opera, Obsidian Opera, Family Opera of New Jersey, and of course, OperaBend. Through his dedication and artistry, Jason Stein continues to contribute significantly to the vibrant and diverse world of opera.
Michael Gesme
CONDUCTOR
Michael Gesme is a Professor of Music at Central Oregon Community College and Chair of the Department of Fine Arts and Communication. In this wonderfully diverse position, in addition to his duties with the Central Oregon Symphony, conducts the Cascade Winds Symphonic Band and has taught various and sundry music courses, including music theory, ear training, music history, and conducting, as part of a small, but flourishing music department. Michael also serves as conductor of the Central Oregon Chamber Orchestra and is the music director and conductor of orchestras of the Young Musicians and Artists (YMA) summer camp held in Salem, Oregon. He is also an active clinician and adjudicator in the region.
Jacalyn Kreitzer
MUSICAL ADVISER
Jacalyn Kreitzer, an acclaimed mezzo-soprano, has graced prestigious opera houses and symphonies globally, including the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Théâtre du Chatelet, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Collaborating with luminaries like Zubin Mehta and Lorin Maazel, she has performed at Carnegie Hall and recorded with labels such as Chandos and Deutsche Grammophon. Founder of Cal Poly's Student Opera Theatre, Kreitzer received the College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Lecturer award in 2002. Recognized for her outstanding contributions to the performing arts by ARTS Obispo in 2015, she continues to be a driving force, also serving as an Opera America Panelist. Jackie retired to Bend in 2019 and her dedication to opera and the arts continues to inspire both on and off the stage.
Jocelyn Claire Thomas
ARTISTIC ADVISOR
Praised for her “staggeringly brilliant…ethereal soprano” (The Source) Jocelyn Claire Thomas has engaged audiences with her haunting sound, musical intelligence, and unusual versatility. She has sung more than 40 operatic roles with Portland Opera, Tacoma Opera, Eugene Opera, Inland Northwest Opera, Opera Theater Oregon, OperaBend, Brava Opera Theater, Cascadia Chamber Opera, and many others. Originally from Columbia, MO, Jocelyn holds a B.M. from the Oberlin Conservatory, and both an M.M. and Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory. Currently based in Portland, OR, Jocelyn maintains a private studio in voice, piano, and flute. She also serves as Artistic Director for Ping & Woof Opera, which is dedicated to bringing intimate and accessible opera experiences to the Portland-area community, and making opera available to everyone through donation based admission.
Zachary Lenox
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Viewed as “a broad, resonant baritone that is exquisitely controlled throughout his entire range,” Zachary Lenox has performed leading roles across North America. Notable roles include “Silvio” in Pagliacci, “Marcello” in La Bohème, “Papageno” in Die Zauberflöte, “Count Almaviva” in Le nozze di Figaro, “El Dancaïro” in Carmen, and “Marullo” in Rigoletto. Mr. Lenox has appeared with Portland Opera, Oregon Symphony, Eugene Opera, Orpheus PDX, Tacoma Opera, Opera Parallèle, Opera Bend, Pacific Music Works, Harmonia Seattle, Cascadia Chamber Opera, and Eugene Concert Choir. Zachary is a past winner of the Pacific Northwest Sings competition as well as the MONC Idaho/Montana District Auditions. He received his B.M. and M.M. from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.